Thread: Block Hugger headers

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I am considering headers to replace the existing cast manifolds on the 350 in my Studebaker. Due to my narrowed Nova subframe I am thinking block hugger design as my best option. Also leaning toward ceramic coating versus chrome or paint finish.

I would appreciate comments on your experience with these. Any particular brands to go with or avoid? Quality of construction, appearance and fit are important to me even if I have to pay a little more. What is your experience with the ceramic coatings?

By the way my project to swap a big Cadillac in has been shelved due to tight cleances in my narrowed subframe.

Thanks for your help

Pat

Let's see;

Get headers with a thick mounting flange, Sanderson, Hedman, Hooker, Rewarder, are some of the more notables. This would eliminate the cheapies................but you get what you pay for.

Ceramic coating..................the only way to fly. Chrome blues, and paint gives up before too long leading to tacky looking headers. The added benefit, especially if you have the insides coated too is reduced underhood temperatures.

Tight confines..........you can gain about 1 1/2" extra clearance with Hedman's Tight Tubes (photo below), over "normal" block hugger styles.

Thanks Bob! I'll check out the list. Any one else have experience?

Thanks

Pat

Stu Cool ,
I used these from this company:
http://www.thermaltechcoatings.com/new_headers.htm
I called them and its a family owned company and they were very nice to talk to. They also specialize in coatings.
Spray

I have hooker header and they have the 3/8 flange and are a good lsess exspensive header, I also have a S&S header ceramic coated and has a 3/8 flange and the mating surface on these are machine flat very nice but not cheap. Ed ke6bnl

To keep it short and sweet...

Plain steel sucks... It rusts...
Chrome sucks........It rusts and peels.

Stainless is good, as long as it is a good grade of stainless.


I bought my stainless block hugger headers (to replace my rusting steel headers that were coated with expenive POR stuff) at a rod run on sale for $260. I am a happy boy now...
Jeff

Originally posted by Stu Cool
I am considering headers to replace the existing cast manifolds on the 350 in my Studebaker. Due to my narrowed Nova subframe I am thinking block hugger design as my best option. Also leaning toward ceramic coating versus chrome or paint finish.

I would appreciate comments on your experience with these. Any particular brands to go with or avoid? Quality of construction, appearance and fit are important to me even if I have to pay a little more. What is your experience with the ceramic coatings?

By the way my project to swap a big Cadillac in has been shelved due to tight cleances in my narrowed subframe.

Thanks for your help

Pat

Ive got ceramic coated Sanderson shortys on my truck, I love em so far, + Sanderson headers dont use any header gaskets, gotta love that. John

does anyone make block hugger headers that have 3" collectors instead of 2 1/2"?

does anyone make block hugger headers that have 3" collectors instead of 2 1/2"?

Sanderson does. Google their website.

nice, thanks